Reblogged from Racked: Following months of negative press and layoffs, Target has instituted a sweeping change of its dress code at its Minneapolis HQ in the hopes that a more relaxed policy will make employees happier. The retailer announced the news on Monday, saying that they now trust Target team members to “dress for their day.”

What does that mean, exactly? Let’s let Target explain: “For example, a big day might call for something like a dress or a suit, or maybe even dressy jeans and a blazer. For a low-key day, jeans and a nice polo might be the answer.” In a memo to employees that was leaked to press, Target said, “We all know that casual days, weeks or months make team members really happy. We also know that life’s a little easier when we have more choices — and less dry cleaning.”

Image via Style Mag.

For the past ten years, Target’s dress code has been rather strict. Men were required to wear jackets or ties and women were not allowed to wear sleeveless shirts without a jacket or cardigan to cover their arms. The rules regarding attire were so strict that they supposedly ran 20 pages long on Target’s internal website.

Target’s not sliding all the way into startup-land: no flip flops, Birks or “heavily-worn” shoes are allowed; women aren’t supposed to wear spaghetti-strap tops or leggings as pants; and shorts and overalls are both verboten. (Racked)

If you’ve ever shopped at Target, then you know they’ve really gotten deep into making jeans part of their standard merchandise offerings (remember William Rast for Target?). And to further push that agenda, they enlisted a “music teacher” to tell parents and kids—via a quirky synth-pop serenade—what they need in order to look good for back to school. It’s essentially a commercial on what you can buy at Target, but denim is the not-so-subtle suggestion. What’s also interesting is how spot-on that this music teacher reminds some of us here at Denim Therapy of a certain 9th-grade journalism teacher.

Justin Timberlake can do no wrong. He is an acclaimed and famed artist within the music and acting industry as well as the golfing community. He always has amazingly talented and beautiful girlfriends- we are talking about Jessica Biel. And let’s not forget to mention his incredible fashion label, William Rast, which he co-founded with Trace Ayala. The brand has partnered with Target and will be launching in stores and online on December 19th- just in time for holiday shopping. JT is far from being a backstreet boy, he has turned into a center stage man. Now that’s what we call the Midas Touch!

The limited edition (available through January 22nd, 2011) collaboration between William Rast and Target will offer edgy leather jackets, outerwear and premium denim for men and women. The William Rast for Target collection delivers quality, design and comfort in denim. Styles from the exclusive line include skinny, bootcut and straight-leg, all with premium fit, wash and detailing. The entire collection will range in price $16.99 to $199.99.

“Our guests rely on Target for our unique and innovative designer partnerships and the William Rast for Target collection is sure to deliver,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president, Target. “We’re excited to offer William Rast for Target just in time for the holidays, providing women and men with one of the most exciting brands in denim at a great price.”

On Dec. 19, an exclusive men’s and women’s collection from William Rast will launch at most Target stores and target.com and will be available through Jan. 22. William Rast has proven that a celebrity can be successful in the design world. The brainchild collaboration of Justin Timberlake and his childhood friend, Trace Ayala, was introduced in 2005 and has grown into a thriving business.

“Our guests have varied tastes and this collection provides the perfect mix of rocker attitude and laid-back appeal for men and women everywhere at affordable prices,” said Target spokeswoman Katie Heinze. Prices for the Target collection were not available, but William Rast jeans cost $165 to $229; leather jackets, $395 to $595, and fashion tops, $95 to $165. “The collection for Target was inspired by the essence of the William Rast brand — the iconography of biker culture and American denim heritage,” said William Rast chief executive officer Colin Dyne. (WWD).

Finally, a real premium denim collection available at Target for a fraction of the price! I can’t wait to see how they fit!

Calling all 24 hour shopping people! Zac Posen’s Target Go International collection will be launching for a 24-hour shopping spree event-cum-party at 481 Eighth Avenue and 34th Street tonight at 11pm. The entire collection will be available until Friday, 11pm, that is, if it doesn’t sell out first. My favorite pieces are the brocade tie-dress, ruched black pencil skirt and floor-length tropical gown, all retailing for under $80! Otherwise, Posen??™s collection is due in Target stores and on target.com April 25th.

With Target??™s muscle, Posen was able to work with top talent on the advertising and marketing campaign for Zac Posen for Target. Ellen von Unwerth photographed the campaign. ???We got funding to make a short film with Gia Coppola,??? he said. ???I wanted to be very involved in the whole brand image.??? The film follows the girl band The Like as they dress ??” in Zac Posen for Target ??” in a hotel room before a concert. There??™s a Fifties quality to their hair and makeup ??” no surprise, since Coppola said she was inspired by old footage of the Beatles. (WWD)

Not a lot of denim pieces, but here are two denim looks that are part of the collection, very cute, yes?

With much anticipation for Zac Posen’s Go International line for Target, due out April 25th, I am more excited for his new secondary line, Z Spoke, that recently launched at Saks Fifth Avenue. In Z Spoke’s collection, Posen channels the styles of fashion icons that influenced him, such as Jackie-O and Catherine Deneuve, with a fresh American retro vibe.

Denim fans should get excited about the fall collection, which marks a denim push with clean-cut tailored jackets, trousers and shift dresses, some with grosgrain ribbon trim, as well as little viscose knit dresses with trompe l??™oeil details. All incredibly chic at affordable prices.

???The collection has its own identity along the lines of a Miu Miu. It??™s for the gallerina, the hipster growing up and going to work. It??™s for her, her mother and her grandmother,??? said Posen.

Posen said he designs Z Spoke for the ???hipster that grew up??? in both price and size: ???I wanted to create a collection that??™s age diverse and body diverse — we go from 0 to size 14. Next season we go up to size 16. Our obi belts [$165] give shape and contour. Z Spoke is not just a diffusion of our top line, it??™s quirky minimalist sportswear with American sophistication.” (LA Times)

Z Spoke’s prices start at $78 for a logo T-shirt and go to $445 for patterned stretch-knit dresses. Included in the collection are belts and soon to be added handbags. Z Spoke is available now atSaks Fifth Avenue.

When I attended Target’s first pop-up shop initiative in 2008 titled Bullseye Bodegas with featured limited edition fashion collaborations with designers: Anya Hindmarch, Sigerson Morrison, Jonathan Saunders and Converse, I decided, going forward, that I would wait until it hit stores for a calmer shopping experience.It was sheer mayhem!

Well, who would have known that the Target + Liberty of London’s pop-up shop would sell out by their second day forcing them to close up shop that evening. Oh woe is me, I never had a fighting chance to purchase the lovely Liberty of London bicycle that I so wanted. The limited offerings are now available on-line and in participating Target stores, but buyer beware, not a whole lot left. Oh woe is me.

I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

Target + Liberty of London Denim Romper, $12.99

How sweet is this? A little bit of denim, a little bit of Liberty of London sashaying for your little girl to frolick around in.

Girl’s Liberty of London for Target Cuffed Boyfriend Short, $12.99

These are your daughter’s jeans…now she can get in on the boyfriend look before she actually has a real boyfriend. Pair these up with funLittle MisMatchtights and Converse All Stars.

The French designer of whimsically romantic, ultra-feminine clothing, Sonia Rykiel, will hit H&M stores this week! Prices will start at 7.95 euros, or $12 at current exchange rates, for thongs, rising to 19.95 euros, or $30, for bras and 79.95 euros, or $114.5, for homewear items.

Zac Posen to design for Target’s Go International line, which will launch April 25th!

Sonia Rykiel Previews H&M Lingerie Line

PARIS ??” Sonia Rykiel has given WWD a preview of the first looks from its lingerie collaboration with H&M, which will hit stores this week.

The one-off collection marks a first for the successful series of collaborations that the Swedish fast-fashion giant has secured with high-profile fashion designers.

The 70-piece collection will be available on Saturday in 1,500 H&M stores worldwide and will go on sale at the same time at Rykiel boutiques ??” the first time a guest designer for H&M will do so. The French firm counts 44 boutiques worldwide, along with 52 in-store shops.

???I wanted to show that I am very proud of this collection,??? Sonia Rykiel??™s daughter, Nathalie, who is president and artistic director of the fashion house, told WWD. ???I also wanted to entice women who love our brand, but who may be hesitant to visit our boutiques.???

Zac Posen to Design for Target

Zac Posen, who has dressed stars such as Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez, will be the next limited edition designer of Target??™s Go International series.

Posen??™s Go International collection will be available at most Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com from April 25 through May 30.

Go International, which focuses on young or emerging designers, has, since 2007, featured Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon and Tracy Feith. Next month, Target will introduce Rodarte, the collection designed by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

Target did not disclose prices for Posen??™s collection, but previous Go collections have been in the $14.99 to $149.99 range. Posen??™s own collection is priced from $900 to $12,000, with custom pieces fetching upward of $20,000.

Finally, a look at Rodarte’s line for Target. It’s filled with fun edgy pieces, including a cute denim jacket and shorts.

Source: The Cut

Rodarte??™s Target Line Includes High-Waisted Lace Tights (With a Bow!) and Bra Tops

A pretty thorough look at the press preview Rodarte had of the Target line in August finally hit the web. The line includes a lot of stuff favored by personal style blogger Fashion Toast: bra tops, lace bottoms, leopard prints, furry things, and croptops all included. See a few looks from the collection in the slideshow.

Home Grown: A New Course for L.A. Fashion Week

LOS ANGELES ??” Fashion week here, which now stretches for several weeks, is trying to overcome an identity crisis.

Many in the industry thought Los Angeles Fashion Week would implode with the exit of event producer IMG a year ago after a five-year run, but organizers have been able to return to the original goal ??” shows featuring local designers, timed with the city??™s two apparel markets, and staged in landmark venues in the garment district and in Hollywood.

Although sponsors are still scarce, the activity hints at optimism for the city??™s fashion scene.

???I have watched so many fashion weeks fail, so part of my mission is not just to be an exhibition space for designers, but also to support the industry??™s new talent,??? said Barbara Graff, a partner in the returning Downtown Fashion Week with Leanna Lewis and Juan Rodriguez. One of its shows featuring emerging designers is being sponsored by the city??™s Department of Cultural Affairs.

Other new players also see opportunity in the region with the biggest retail market and clothing production center in the U.S.

???People were disappointed with events in the past, but I see potential to build a fashion monster,??? said Nicole Purcell, a partner in New York-based Rock Media and Entertainment. The firm recently merged with Gen Art, which has staged biannual events in Los Angeles since 1997, to become RMGA LLC. Their new three-day event, Rock Fashion Week L.A., will open with Gen Art??™s Fresh Faces in Fashion show Oct. 29 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

???Our merger has given Los Angeles Fashion Week an important anchor,??? said Gen Art founder Ian Gerard. ???It??™s been flailing in the wind in terms of being a cohesive week, and everyone??™s looking to someone to organize it. Creating multiple days in a well-regarded location is the first step to getting other groups to rally around the same time frame.???

The IMG-produced Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City was criticized for subpar designers, lack of press, D-list celebrities and out-of-the-way location.

???That was a tough draw because it is an industrial area,??? said Mikey Koffman, who is producing a new event this season, L.A. Fashion Weekend, at Sunset Gower Studios. ???Not a lot of celebrities and buyers want to go [there] because it is off the beaten path, and it doesn??™t really have anything to do with fashion. By making the move to Hollywood, we are trying to give fashion week a Hollywood image.???

Koffman acknowledged the past few seasons without Smashbox Studios co-owners Dean and Davis Factor have been ???a little frustrating.??? Davis Factor has said he will return to fashion week when the economic climate improves, adding, ???I want to wait until I can do it right.???

Rock-Themed Apparel Shows Strength in Market

Rock ??™n??™ roll merchandise ranging from graphic T-shirts ??” the hottest sellers at live shows ??” to hoodies, tote bags, bracelets, key chains and more, are showing staying power at concerts and gaining traction at major stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and J.C. Penney, said executives of Bravado, Live Nation Merchandise and The Thread Shop, key marketers of the artists and their products.

These purchases, with teens said to be the best customers, are translating into a business estimated at $2 billion to $3 billion worldwide annually at concert venues and in stores ??” half of it in the U.S.

The allure of rock, pop and hip-hop musicians, including the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Metallica, AC/DC, Kiss, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney, is sparking concertgoers to spend an average of $10 to $15 per head to mark their experience at a show staged by the hottest acts, whose products command the highest sales. Besides the cachet of the stars themselves, demand is stoked by a desire to show the world that an act has played one??™s town and the concertgoer was there by wearing a T-shirt bearing markers of the occasion: the tour??™s name, date and location.

???Bands can do hundreds of thousands of dollars a night, depending on how big they are,??? Michael Krassner, executive vice president of retail and licensing at Live Nation Merchandise, said of audience demand. ???The issue is: Are the tickets being sold, rather than are the merch numbers the same????

While many of these souvenirs are priced within a predictable range, say, T-shirts at $15 to $40, big draws can pull considerably more for an item: an AC/DC leather jacket for $250 and hockey jersey for $150, or a Paul McCartney hoodie embellished with peace fingers and ?????™09??? on the breast for $70 and an oversize program on heavy stock for his Summer Live ??™09 tour for $30.

???Apparel is the biggest driver in this business,??? said Mathew Vlasic, vice president of merchandising at The Thread Shop, a Sony Music venture Vlasic started about two years ago, which he said has grown into a ???multimillion-dollar business??? through its wholesale unit and online boutique. In the U.S., T-shirts typically generate 80 to 85 percent of concert sales, versus 70 percent in the U.K. and 40 percent in Japan, said Dell Furano, chief executive officer of Live Nation Merchandise.

???The Brits and the Japanese love their programs and books,??? Furano added of the two nationalities that spend 30 percent and 60 percent, respectively, of their outlays during live music events on such items.

At performances of artists considered a notch below megastars in their power to build audiences and sell product, like Lady Gaga, concertgoers are spending $5 to $10 per head, said Tom Bennett, chief executive officer at Bravado, a unit of Universal Music, whose sales of rock merchandise account for one-third of the sector??™s business.

Among the artists whose live shows are resulting in top-performing merchandise sales this year, entertainment executives said, are Coldplay, Pink, Kings of Leon, Madonna and Iron Maiden. Big numbers are anticipated for U2, now on a tour that kicked off Sept. 12 in Chicago; Kiss, which hit the road Sept. 25 in Detroit, and Depeche Mode, which resumed concerts Oct. 1 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Beyond the sheer popularity of bands, cravings for collectibles ??” and simply to have something tangible in hand ??” during a time of music and movie downloads is keeping demand for rock memorabilia growing at a low-single-digit rate.

???There??™s a need or a want for stuff,??? said Tom Cording, vice president of media relations at Sony Music-Legacy Recordings. ???Even though we download music to our iPods and our cell phones, there??™s nothing that??™s going to replace buying a T-shirt at a concert. Everybody??™s very merchandised. There??™s everything but floor wax, at this point.???

However, Wackermann was positive about Details??™ future, saying the title has a place at the company given its younger audience and edgier editorial voice. He also said editor in chief Dan Peres was the right man to steer the magazine into 2010. ???I am honored to be involved with Details again, and the opportunity to work with Dan Peres. The market needs Details??™ edgy and smart edit. There is nothing else like it,??? said Wackermann.

Brit Fest

BRIT FEST: Joan Burstein, founder of London??™s Browns boutique, feted British designers in Paris on Monday night, inviting Gareth Pugh, Henry Holland, Jonathan Saunders and Charlotte Dellal to a sumptuous apartment with a view of the Tuileries. Dellal graciously twirled on demand, purring, ???It??™s my mother??™s vintage Lacroix.??? Meanwhile, Alexandra Lanvin (wife of Hubert Lanvin, a direct descendent of Jeanne Lanvin), said she had just tapped Turkish-born, Berlin-based designer Burak Uyan to launch a new shoe line called Aperla??, which is being unveiled in Paris this week.